How To Reduce PDF File Size on MAC

Are you having problems in loading PDF files or storing them because of their file size? PDFs usually have many images and objects that make their size too large to open and send. The common problem shared by users is reducing the PDF file size without affecting its contents and quality. In this article, we’ll focus on how you can deal with these problems with your MAC devices.  

Here are some tips you can follow that are proven effective to have smaller PDF sizes: 

  1. Delete Unnecessary Elements

Double-check your file and remove unnecessary objects such as images, pages, or other icons. You can do this by converting your file to and removing the elements. 

  1. Convert PDF to Other File Formats and Export Them Again

Some PDF file sizes decrease when converted to other editable formats and exported to be PDFs again. Although this happens to some files and not all, you can still try it for yourself.

  1. Use Free Online PDF Compressors

On the other hand, there are many free online PDF compressors that MAC users can also avail themselves of. You can search for free compressors if you want to have other options. One of them is Adobe Acrobat. It’s one of the most popular free online PDF file compressors to reduce sizes, remove unwanted objects, among many other features. Besides this tool, there is a variety of online solutions like PDF.io that allow you to compress the file in a matter of minutes, if not seconds,

  1. Use a Third-Party Archiver to Compress PDF

Alternatively, you can opt for a third-party archiver to reduce the PDF file size, and Commander One is a great option. It handles PDF files like any other file type, allowing you to view, copy, move, organize, and compress them within its dual-pane interface.

Commander One supports a variety of archive formats, including ZIP, TGZ, TBZ, and 7z, and offers adjustable compression settings, meaning you can fine-tune the level of compression and choose the preferred compression format.

In addition to its archiving capabilities, Commander One comes with enhanced file management features, integrates with popular cloud storage services, includes a built-in FTP/SFTP client, and much more.

Here’s how to make a pdf file size smaller on mac using Commander One:

  1. Download and install Commander One on your Mac.
  2. Launch the app and locate the PDF file you want to compress.
  3. Right-click the file and choose “Compress selected file(s)” from the context menu.
  4. The compressed PDF file will appear in the same pane.
  1. Compress PDF in Preview

MAC desktops and laptops have a built-in program, Preview, that can handle your PDF needs. You can use this to compress the PDF and reduce its file size. Through Preview, you don’t have to pay extra money to reduce your PDF’s size. It’s reliable, free, quick, and easy to use. 

Here’s how you can use Preview:

  • Open the Preview app on your MAC desktop or laptop.
  • Select and open your PDF.
  • Choose the “File” on the tab.
  • Select the Export option. Don’t click on the “Export as PDF.”
  • Click the Quartz Filter pop-up menu.
  • Select the Reduce File Size.
  1. Compress PDF in ColorSync

Another free tool in MAC is ColorSync. It is used to modify images by adding effects, improving color space, adjusting brightness, and more. This tool can also be utilized to reduce the size of PDFs. 

Here are the steps you can follow to use ColorSync to compress your PDF:

  • Go to Finder and choose the application folder.
  • Open the ColorSync Utility.
  • Select the File tab and open the PDF file.
  • Go to the Filter menu and select “Reduce File Size.” Then, click “Apply.”
  • Select the File tab again and choose “Save As.”
  • Click on the “Save. ColorSync reduce,” and you’re good to go.
  1. Purchase PDF Compressor Apps 

If you have an extra budget, you can purchase PDF compressor applications. They can offer considerable size reduction with your PDF file and at the same time maintain the document’s quality. Having an offline go-to application is easy and accessible anytime and anywhere. You can even control the compression setting to balance the size and quality of the document. If you always need to reduce PDF sizes, go for compressor apps.

You can look at the Apple store for the applications and read reviews that can help you decide which one will work best for you. Most apps offer free trial versions that you can utilize before paying for a subscription to know its features thoroughly. 

  1. Keep Image Sizes Small

Image resolution and bit-depth have a significant impact on the PDF file size. For example, colored images take up more space than monochrome and grayscale ones. HD image resolutions are also the same.

It’s best to keep images smaller by choosing the grayscale option if the image doesn’t have to be necessarily colored. You can also reduce the resolution as long as the image is still clear to view.

  1. Use Uniform Fonts

Using different fonts and sizes can also increase the PDF file size. It’s best to stick to a single font style and smaller font size. You’ll have fewer pages and smaller file sizes and even make your PDF look more coherent and put-together.

  1. Use Your iPad or iPhone

Mobile phones and tablets are becoming smarter and faster. You can use them to manage PDF files using different applications available. There are many PDF compressors for iPhones and iPad that you can check in the App store. Check the reviews and choose the best one available. Then, you can sync your files to your MAC desktops and laptops.

iPhones and iPads are convenient when you’re in a rush to reduce the size of your PDF. You can easily open and compress them regardless of where you are and simply synch them with your MAC after. 

Conclusion

Reducing PDF size for MAC is quite easy with the built-in programs, but you can still try some quick tricks and techniques that can further make the file size smaller. Don’t forget to remove details that are not important to save up space. 

Also, you need to make sure that the quality of your PDF will not be affected while you’re reducing its size. You’ll have fewer problems with saving, sending, and uploading PDF files once you’re familiar with the tips above. You’ll even have lots of space for your other important files.